Burlington County Obstruction of Justice Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Obstruction of justice in Burlington County is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1503, punishable by fines and imprisonment. An obstruction of justice lawyer Burlington County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strategic defense against charges of corruptly influencing official proceedings.
Understanding Federal Obstruction of Justice Charges
Federal obstruction of justice is not a single crime but a collection of statutes designed to protect the integrity of government proceedings. The most commonly charged is 18 U.S.C. § 1503, which prohibits influencing or injuring officers, jurors, or witnesses in connection with a federal judicial proceeding. A related statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1512, criminalizes tampering with witnesses, victims, or informants. The essence of the offense is acting “corruptly” with the intent to obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding. This can include destroying documents, lying to investigators, or threatening a witness. The penalties are severe, with convictions often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are codified by Congress.
Key Government Resources on Federal Law
For the official text of federal obstruction statutes, refer to the U.S. Code maintained by the U.S. Government Publishing Office. For procedures in the local federal court, consult the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
The Local Federal Defense Process in Burlington County
Federal obstruction cases in Burlington County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, often following an investigation by agencies like the FBI or IRS. The process moves quickly, beginning with a grand jury indictment. An early and aggressive defense is essential. A federal obstruction defense lawyer Burlington County must immediately analyze the evidence, often challenging the “corrupt” intent element, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are common battlegrounds.
- Initial Arrest/Summons: You may be arrested or receive a summons to appear in federal court following an indictment.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer will file motions to challenge the sufficiency of the indictment or suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence, your attorney will advise on whether to negotiate a plea or proceed to trial.
- Sentencing (if convicted): Federal sentencing follows strict guidelines; advocacy focuses on mitigating factors.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction Convictions
In federal court, obstruction of justice carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with fines and potential supervised release.
| Offense (U.S. Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Justice (§ 1503) | Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Supervised release, permanent criminal record |
| Witness Tampering (§ 1512) | Felony | Up to 20 years* | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above; enhanced if involves physical force |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Maximum penalties; actual sentence depends on Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a foundational understanding of prosecutorial tactics to federal defense. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who uses that insider perspective to anticipate and counter the government’s strategy. We approach every federal case with the resources and determination needed to defend your liberty and future.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of advocating for clients in federal matters. Our approach involves meticulous case review, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and advocating for our clients’ rights at every stage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Federal Defense Lawyers
If you are under investigation or charged with obstruction in Burlington County, time is of the essence. Our firm is positioned to defend you. Our Mount Laurel location is centrally located in Burlington County, providing accessible counsel for clients throughout the region, including Moorestown, Willingboro, and Medford.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
309 Fellowship Road, Suite 200
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Federal Obstruction of Justice Defense
What does “obstruction of justice” mean in federal court?
It depends. It broadly refers to any corrupt act intended to interfere with a federal investigation or judicial proceeding. This can include lying to federal agents (18 U.S.C. § 1001), destroying evidence, or threatening a witness. The specific intent to obstruct is a key element the prosecution must prove.
Can I be charged with obstruction even if the underlying case is dismissed?
Yes. Obstruction is a separate offense. The government can proceed with an obstruction charge even if the investigation you allegedly interfered with does not lead to other charges. The existence of a pending official proceeding is what matters, not its ultimate outcome.
What should I do if a federal agent wants to question me?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Say, “I wish to exercise my right to remain silent and I want to speak with a lawyer.” Do not attempt to explain or talk your way out of it. Anything you say can be used to establish intent or probable cause for an obstruction charge.
What is the role of a tampering with evidence lawyer Burlington County?
A tampering with evidence lawyer Burlington County defends against charges under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1519, which makes it a crime to alter or destroy documents to impede a federal investigation. Defense strategies often focus on lack of intent, challenging whether the item was “evidence,” or arguing the act was not connected to a federal matter.
How does a federal obstruction defense lawyer Burlington County challenge these charges?
A federal obstruction defense lawyer Burlington County attacks the core elements: proving the defendant lacked “corrupt” intent, that no “official proceeding” was pending, or that the alleged act was not materially connected to an investigation. They file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly and challenge the legal sufficiency of the indictment.
For related legal assistance, see our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in New Jersey and White Collar Crime Defense. For help in a neighboring area, consider our Camden County obstruction of justice lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (609)-983-0003 for current legal guidance regarding obstruction of justice in Burlington County.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Obstruction of Justice Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ · Obstruction of Justice Lawyer in Hudson County, NJ · Obstruction of Justice Attorney Monmouth County, NJ.